Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry alumni and naval dental officers of the 1st Dental Battalion/Naval Dental Center Camp Pendleton recently gathered to celebrate the promotions of Dr. Jerome Ragadio ‘03 and Dr. Sherry Caraveo ’04 to captain. Through their roles, they care for thousands of military service members. CAPT Caraveo currently serves as the Executive Officer and CAPT Ragadio serves as the Director for Dental Services. 

The 1st Dental Battalion/Naval Dental Center Camp Pendleton is composed of 10 dental clinics on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and five others throughout Southern California and Arizona. It serves over 50,000 marines and sailors.

The military is one of the many paths Dugoni School alumni take in their dental careers. Some current students participate in the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program. In exchange for educational and living expenses, students commit to serving in the military or in areas of health care shortage after graduation. 

According to Dr. Ragadio, “humanistic leadership, service, inspiration and excellence spreads and thrives in the military setting,” reflecting well on the legacy of the late Dean Emeritus Dr. Art Dugoni and the humanistic approach he and other school leaders instilled among students that continues to this day.